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Should Christians get involved in supporting or celebrating Christmas? Have you ever heard that argument? Why in the world would Christians want to get involved in something that was really a “pagan holiday,” that we the Church co-opted? So for those critics, I have three points.
Number one: Do you give your kids birthday gifts? You celebrate your kids birthdays, why not celebrate the birth of the Savior? If we’re not going to do it now, when would you decide to do it? That would be a question.
Secondly, in 1st Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I became all things to all men, that by all means I may win some.” I can’t think of a time, and I doubt that you could think of a time in the year when there is more focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. Once a year, the world is confronted with the reality of His coming. And I think that’s great!
The third point is in Matthew 16:18,where Jesus said, “On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The idea is not that we are holding out against the world. The idea is that we are assaulting a world and they cannot overwhelm us. They cannot withstand the assault of the Church. The very fact that you and I are here, 2000 years after the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, is evidence of that. The world has done everything it can to squash the message, destroy the Word, and intimidate believers. Yet, all around the world today there are those who are singing praise, spreading the Word and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, if we co-opt or take over Christmas, that’s what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to seize the gates of the enemy. This is why we’re here and why this season is so important.

Gene Cunningham - April 8, 2000

Simplicity in Christ #3

2018 AYC Ladies Classes

2Co 11:3 Paul writes with dread or fear that Corinthian believers would be led astray and miss out on simplicity, purity in Christ—single-minded focus. Jesus thanks the Father that divine truth has been revealed to those who are dependent (i.e., "babes"). In Mat 11:25-30, Jesus asks those who are weary and heavy laden to come to Him. His "yoke"—or "school of learning"—is light, easy. Three factions united against Christ (Mat 22:15-46). The Pharisees thought keeping the law made you righteous and falsely thought they could gain salvation by works (Rom 8:3). Herodians believed that Herod Agrippa fulfilled the prophecies. Saducees believed there was no resurrection, and the body and soul die together.


 


Most Jews cared about their heritage (Mat 22:27-32). Saducees thought they could present a contradiction. Jesus responds by telling them "you do not know the scriptures, nor the power of God." We become "like angels"—not angels (Isa 6:3). Angels' focus is not on each other, but the Lord. In the resurrection we are totally devoted to Him (Mat 22:29-32; 1Co 15:12-58; 1Jo 3:2).


 


How did Jesus approach Scripture? This approach will greatly simplify our lives.






  1. As the very Word of God (2Ti 3:16). Scripture is divine revelation;






  2. It is inspired and accurately recorded. Jesus referred to Isaiah (Mat 13:14; 2Pe 1:21);






  3. Scripture needs to be taken literally (Mat 21:42, Mat 4:4); it has authority over us;






  4. The Word of God is eternal in nature (Joh 10:35; Mat 24:35);






  5. The Bible has a united theme, namely, redemption (Luk 24:27); 






  6. The Word is powerful and relevant to us now (Joh 4:10, Joh 7:38; Heb 4:12).






  7. It may appear contradictory to us; the problem is in us; it began with the Fall (Luk 8:11).






Jesus asks the Pharisees who the Christ is; He silenced them (Mat 22:34-46). We need to not question Him either.


Scripture References: Matthew 22:27-32, Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 8:3, Matthew 21:42, John 7:38, Matthew 22:15-46, Matthew 13:14, John 4:10, Matthew 11:25-30, John 3:2, Luke 24:27, Matthew 22:29-32, Matthew 24:35, Matthew 22:34-46, Isaiah 6:3, John 10:35, Luke 8:11

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